When choosing your SPF style, the options are endless. Gone are the days of wanting to avoid sunscreen because it’s too greasy and it makes your skin break out. We are spoiled for choice, and that makes us, at Atlantic Dermatology and Laser, very happy. Let’s go through a few options to keep in mind when picking your sunscreen, not only for summer but all year round!
Mineral /Chemical? Sunscreens can provide physical coverage, chemical protection or even both. If this confuses you, let me put it this way: Physical sunscreen physically blocks out UVA and UVB rays, immediately. Look for ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.These ingredients sit on top of the skin’s surface and create a barrier between the UV rays and your skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays and convert them into heat, which is released by the skin. This type of SPF needs to be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. The texture is a lot thinner and it’s recommended to oily skin types.
Textures! Once again, we have options! You no longer need to be stuck using the same greasy lotion. Depending on your skin type and lifestyle, you can decide which texture suits you.
Here are a few of our favourite options :
Gel (oil free) Sunscreen
If you have oily skin or if you just don’t like the feeling of anything too sticky on your skin, then this one’s for you! The gel has more of a watery texture and absorbs very quickly into the skin, leaving you with a matte and smooth finish.
Fluid Sunscreen
Cream/fluid will give your skin more hydration and has a physical block to it too. This one is suited for a more mature skin type or dry skin. A cream or fluid is the most common and classic SPF out there.
Foam / Air Gel Sunscreen
Foam (air gel) Perfect for a quick and easy application and still dries with a matte effect. Ideal for the scalp, an area people often forget about but is prone to burning. Men love this one because of the effortless application and non greasy feeling after it has dried.
Powder Sunscreen
Don’t get this confused with your normal compact disc, it is very different to a make up with a slight SPF included. These powders provide full protection! Certain product houses have launched specific powdered SPF that makes reapplying your sunscreen a breeze. These usually have a tint in them so can be reapplied over make up throughout the day.
Spray or aerosol Sunscreen
This is perfect for someone on the beach that needs a fast reapplication, or when you need to reach tricky areas of the body like your own back. An aerosol is very convenient for those who like to tan alone, or for reapplying the kiddies who do not want to get out of the water. Just be careful that the liquid spreads everywhere on the body, and avoid spraying directly onto the face.
Capsules
Yes! Capsules! Our favourite addition to the SPF family is the Heliocare 360 oral capsules. Taking one capsule, 30 minutes before sun exposure, will provide you with that little bit of extra protection when you know you will be in the sun all day. These capsules are not meant to replace your topical SPF, but rather to enhance your skin’s protection for that day. Our favourite thing about the capsules is that you do not need to take them everyday, and that they are gluten free and vegan friendly!
Tint or No Tint
Our goal with your skin is to get you wearing as little make up as possible, and feeling confident in your own skin. So this summer, let’s try wearing a tinted SPF instead of foundation. The tint in most SPFs provides you with enough coverage and protection from the sun, but also gives you a beautiful glow.
Book a skin consultation with one of our Skin & Laser Specialists
Written by Skin & Laser Specialist, Nadia Kulz
Nadia has been working in the beauty industry since 2009 and spent the last 8 years working aboard Luxury cruise lines getting international experience by managing spas and traveling the world.
The reason why Nadia is so passionate about the industry is the unique diversity element of being human. Each person is different, no skin is the same. This keep’s her on her toes! Each day at work is exciting, new challenges and seeing the improvement step by step. It’s all about the journey and the support given. Nadia’s main goal is to make all my patients feel beautiful and better in their own skin.
With Laser we can do that.